2015 was an exciting year in music, and these were my favorite tracks of the year. It was tough to narrow down, but here we go.... my ultimate playlist!
Adventure of a Lifetime by Coldplay from the album A Head Full of Dreams-- I am always excited when a new Coldplay album comes out, Chris Martin is one of my favorite lead singers, there's just so much enthusiasm in everything he does. Lyrically, Coldplay is one of the most complex bands out there and Adventure of a Lifetime continues the complex lyric but with a disco sound that is most addictive.
Body on Me by Rita Ora featuring Chris Brown from upcoming Rita Ora album-- Some collaborations are a match made in heaven and this beauty between Rita Ora and Chris Brown is one of those. Somehow Rita makes Chris sound more mature. The song as well as the video is breathy, sexy, convincing, and passionate. I hope this is not the only time these two work together musically, the chemistry is real.
Break Up in a Small Town by Sam Hunt from the album Montevallo-- Welcome to music Sam Hunt! We love you! Sam Hunt is so country but he is so different. He has a rap/ talk twist, an R&B sound at times. He is the perfect mix of everything I love. The song is everything a good song should be, it hits hard and it is so emotional, it is looking to climb to number one on the country charts.
Can't Feel My Face by The Weeknd from the album Beauty Behind the Madness-- Perhaps on other male artist on this list had a year as big as The Weeknd. The only other person who perhaps had a better year musically was Adele.... Hello!The Weeknd exploded onto the scene last when as a relatively unknown artist in the US he sang a duet with Ariana Grande called Love Me Harder that climbed to the tops of the charts; he hasn't looked back. Rolling Stone called it the best song of 2015, critics have compared his vocals to those of Michael Jackson, and he has earned two Grammy nominations for the song-- Record of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance.
Confident by Demi Lovato from the album Confident-- I think Demi Lovato, at the ripe age of 23, is one of those artists who keeps getting better as time goes on. I believe her new album Confident is her best yet, it's fearless. The title track, co written by Lovato herself is a girl power anthem.
Cool for the Summer by Demi Lovato from the album Confident-- Called by some music critics maybe the best summer song ever, Cool for the Summer was the lead single off Lovato's fifth studio album Confident. I think perhaps what I enjoyed about it more than anything else is that when I listen to it, it makes me feel like it's summer all the time, not a bad way to feel. Lovato continues to mature on every album and this single is indicative of that-- there's a certain sex appeal and people are loving it.
Die a Happy Man by Thomas Rhett from the album Tangled Up-- Die a Happy Man is just a legit pure love song. Simple music, simple lyrics, strong delivery, and you have a number one country hit from relative newcomer Thomas Rhett. Rhett says the song was inspired by his wife Lauren and the music video is the two of them and was shot while they vacationed in Hawaii. Look for this one to do well when the country music award nominations come out this entire year.
Energy by Drake from the mixtape If You're Reading This It's Too Late-- In 2015, Drake continued to prove that he is the real deal in rap and that he's a force to be a reckoned with for every other rap star out there. The fact that this song got so much play and was only on a mixtape is amazing to me. It's proof that Drake in constantly evolving creatively and I love it. The premise of the video, Drake pokes fun at a lot of other celebs, the song is not aimed at any one in particular, yet the lines of the song mean business.
Heartbeat Song by Kelly Clarkson from the album Piece by Piece-- Definitely inspired by 80s pop, Heartbeat Song marked a returns of sorts for Clarkson who took a short hiatus to have baby River Rose. Kelly revealed that she had some difficulties with her voice and doubted whether or not she would be able to return full voice. This song was proof that she need not worry, her vocals are intact. Clarkson emphatically proves that she is the best American Idol ever, and is one of the best vocalists bar none. The song is nominated for Best Pop Vocal Performance and I just know that she has as good a chance of winning this as anyone else, if not better.
Hello by Adele from the album 25-- Few artists can say they ever had a year like Adele did in 2015. Besides breaking record after record, Adele proved that no matter how long she stays away, her fans will always return. The song has hit number one in numerous countries and look for her to clean up big time at all the major music award shows in the next year.
Here by Alessia Cara from the debut album Know It All-- Alessia Cara says grown men have approached her to thank her for writing "Here". Cara says the song is secretly about people who hate going to parties and social events. I can relate. I love Alessia's sound, and I think what I like the most about her is that she makes being an introvert cool again. It's good to be different is what her song says, and I don't mind singing it out loud.
The Hills by The Weeknd from the album Beauty Behind the Madness-- Sex, drugs, and rock and roll or in this case, R&B. It's pretty much what The Hills is all about. The Weeknd continues on this song to take us into his dark world, and people must really love it because it was his third hit in 2015 and replaced Can't Feel My Face at number one. The Weeknd is only the second artist to do this on a debut album (the other was Rihanna).
Hotline Bling by Drake from the upcoming album Views From the Six-- If anything, this song has been controversial from the lyrics to the video; Drake knows how to make people talk about him and sing along at times. Many feminist critics said the song was slut shaming-- asking your ex why she isn't coming over to be friends with benefits anymore because she's moved on to someone else? And the video, Drake's rap competition made fun of the way he danced saying he made a fool of himself in the video.
How Deep is Your Love by Calvin Harris and the Disciples-- Supposedly, allegedly inspired by his relationship with Taylor Swift, How Deep Is Your Love may just be one of my fave Calvin Harris songs ever! I love the beat, I love the uncredited vocals, and I love that it is literally begging someone to answer the question of How Deep is Your Love. Oh, and for all the guys out there, did I mention the video stars the gorgeous Gigi Hadid?
Lay Me Down by Sam Smith from the album In the Lonely Hour-- This makes it on here because although this was Smith's debut single from 2013, it only charted in 2015 after he re-recorded it and re-released it. This song is a triumphant declaration from the heart. It literally gets me every time, lyrically it's beautiful and vocally, it's perfection. If this is a debut, what comes next? I can't wait.
Love Me Like You Do by Ellie Goulding from the Fifty Shades of Grey original soundtrack-- This was Gouldings first number one hit in many countries. In fact, she almost did not get the song at all because she wasn't interested in doing a song for a soundtrack, and at one point, the song was going to be given to Demi Lovato. Personally, I think Ellie's voice really suits the song and I love that it has received Grammy and Golden Globe nominations.
The Night is Still Young by Nicki Minaj from the album the Pinkprint-- Let me tell you what I love about this song... this song is proof that Nicki is not just a rapper but a singer and an entertainer, this woman has a voice. I also love how she has so much versatility, she can rap about something really serious but then she can sing this light almost romantic song. I cannot wait to see what Nicki does next.
On My Mind by Ellie Goulding from the album Delirium-- Everyone knows I am a big Ed Sheeran fan and he wrote the song Don't about a girl who was going out with who he had real feelings for who cheated on him with someone else. Many say it was about Ellie Goulding cheating on him with Niall from 1D. On My Mind is said to be the answer song to Don't. Ellie describes a one night stand where she was with someone she shouldn't have been with. The music video is fun and very Thelma & Louise, many say it's her best single to date.
Out of the Woods by Taylor Swift from the album 1989-- Described by Taylor as a song that is about the "fragility and breakable nature of some relationships," it's about going through the day in and day out, the ups and the downs and wondering if you're going to get through it or not, wondering if the relationship is going to work. Some say this song is about her former relationship with Harry Styles from 1D. The video to the song premiered on New Year's Rockin' Eve and we may be talking about this song again in 2016 since it looks to climb the charts this year. It would be no surprise to say Taylor has another hit on her hands.
Should've Been Us by Tori Kelly from the debut album Unbreakable Smile-- When Tori Kelly was 16, she auditioned for American Idol and made it all the way to Hollywood week only to get cut. I love American Idol, but hearing Tori's voice now makes me think that they made a huge mistake. Not only does she have a killer voice, but she's also a songwriter which is becoming more and more rare in the music industry. It makes Tori a diamond in the rough. Ignore the horribly pointless video.
Sorry by Justin Bieber from the album Purpose-- The song has already made it to number one, and I have to say, I was never a huge Justin Bieber fan but so many of the songs from this album have so much maturity to them and I am really enjoying listening to these new songs and hearing/ seeing this new side of Justin Bieber. Many fully believe that the song is an apology to former girlfriend Selena Gomez. Justin says the song is about manning up and apologizing for mistakes.
Stitches by Shawn Mendes from the debut album Handwritten-- I think Stitches had the distinction of being the slowest climb to number one of any song. It's one of those songs I kept hearing on the radio for a good portion of the year. Mendes says the song is about feeling heartbroken and beaten up, which I think is honestly something that most can relate to. As a side note, I am loving his duet with Camilla Cabello, I Know What You Did Last Summer.
Style by Taylor Swift from the album 1989-- Rumored to be about her romance with Harry Styles, Style (get it?) was a stylish song that hit right before the summer, and I think it was definitely one of the songs of Summer 2015. Critics loved the song, many said it was the best track on 1989, said it fit like a "cashmere lined leather glove".
Sugar by Maroon 5 from the album V-- Maroon 5 is one of my all time favorite bands ever, and this song is them at their best. Adam's vocals are so on point and perfect, and lyrically, I feel like every woman out there is thinking, Adam is singing to me. The video to the song was inspired by the movie Wedding Crashers and features the band crashing weddings and singing. The expressions from the brides and grooms and their guests are absolutely priceless. The song is up for Best Pop Duo/ Group Performance at the Grammy Awards, and it's my pick to win.
Want to Want Me by Jason Derulo from the album Everything is 4-- Despite the fact that I am unhappy with Jason's latest choice in girlfriends.... Daphne Joy? Really Jason, really?.... I will say that I absolutely loved Want to Want Me. Maybe it's because I am a child of the 80s and this song is so 80s, or maybe it's his ridiculous falsetto that never fails to impress me, but the song was a hit, and every time it came on the radio, I turned it up.
What Do You Mean? by Justin Bieber from the album Purpose-- In year's past, if you would have asked me if Justin Bieber would have appeared on any fave songs of the year post I wrote, I would have told you, you were crazy, and yet, the last two songs on this post are by Justin Bieber and he appeared a total of three times on my list for 2015. What Do You Mean? is all about a more grown up and more mature Biebs; it debuted at number one, and it proves that this kid knows how to make a come back. The song itself is simple but complicated with a super catchy hook, and is a sequel of sorts to the Skrillex/ Diplo song Where Are U Now? So good is What Do You Mean? that I fully believe it will be a candidate for award shows this year as well as next.
Where Are U Now? by Justin Bieber from the album Skrillex and Diplo Present Jack U-- Skrillex and Diplo said that when they decided to release an album they wanted to do something unexpected and working with Justin Bieber was unexpected. The song to me is lyrically an anthem for a love that has broken apart and you desperately need it back, but you want the other person to realize your worth too.
Showing posts with label Sam Smith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sam Smith. Show all posts
Sunday, January 10, 2016
Monday, January 12, 2015
The Ultimate Playlist for 2014, Music Rules!
2014 was the year of the lady in music--Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Arianna Grande, Nicki Minaj, Iggy Azalea, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Sia, Katy Perry, and the list could continue. Noticeably absent from my list this year-- Rihanna who laid low, Lady Gaga who cut a jazz record with Tony Bennett, and Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys, and Kelly Clarkson who all had babies.
The release of a new Ed Sheeran album brought many hits for the young artist who continued to dominate the charts. Adam Levine's success on The Voice may have inspired possibly his best album yet with Maroon 5.
Newbies also dominated, a young man by the name of Sam Smith made many believers with his soulful voice and vulnerable lyrics. Iggy Azalea, though not fancy in her delivery, proved that she was a black widow on the charts, though, she hasn't made my list. Hosier took us to church with his powerful vocals, and Meghan Trainor wrote and sang a clever song about what else? Booty.
I can't wait any longer-- here's the playlist---
0 to 100 by Drake-- In a year where Drake didn't release an album, it doesn't surprise me that he wrote this song in an effort to tell his competition that he will always dominate rap/ R&B music. The song has been nominated at the Grammy's for Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance.
Ain't it Fun by Paramore-- One of my absolute faves of the year. A group lead by Hayley Williams with mainly a rock style, Ain't it Fun showed musical diversity adding some soul and gospel, actually going back to Williams' childhood. The song written by Williams and guitarist Taylor York is nominated for best rock song at the Grammy Awards and climbed all the way to number one on the US Top 40. I love the strong lyrics. I love the fun video for this song too..... ingenious....
All About That Bass by Meghan Trainor-- She had a breakout year all because she wrote a clever song about what else......... booty. Hailing from Nantucket, MA, Meghan attended Berkley College of Music and got a deal with a record company writing songs for the likes of Rascal Flatts. She wrote All About That Bass and wanted to give the song to an artist but when it didn't work out she recorded the song herself, L.A. Reid heard it and signed her to Epic records, and the rest, they say, is history. She song made it to number one on the Top 40 Charts and is nominated for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Girl Power!
Animals by Maroon 5-- Adam Levine said that V, the group's fifth album is their best, and he is quite possibly right. Animals showcases Levine's disinct vocals, his range, and that killer falsetto. The video, although creepy, features Levine and real life wife Behati Prinsloo. This was the tenth top ten for Maroon 5 and a number one on the Top 40 Charts.
Automatic by Miranda Lambert-- In Automatic, Miranda Lambert writes about the good times, being young and carefree, and the song encourages people to live life more simply, Although not a number one, Lambert is nominated for Best Country Song and Country Solo Performance at the Grammy Awards.
Bang Bang by Jessie J, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj-- What happens when you take three powerhouse artists, one who is a prolific rapper and two powerhouse vocalists? You get the song Bang Bang, this banging collaboration full of punch and fire. The song appears on Ariana's album My Everything and Jessie J's album Sweet Talker. They have a great chance of picking up the Grammy for Best Pop Duo Group Performance, and if they don't win, their competition better move out of the way.
Birthday by Katy Perry-- I'm not sure, but I believe the reason why I like this song so much is because of the disco beat. Perry is probably at her strongest in terms of songwriting with this song, and she has help from Bonnie McKee. Full of double entendres, Perry makes some sexy references while at the same time celebrating her significant other's birthday. The song made it to number three on the Hot Dance Charts and it's easy to see why because this is a definitely a song that anyone can dance to.
Blank Space by Taylor Swift-- Another one of my favorite songs of the year because it showed the dark and crazy side of Taylor Swift. Just kidding, it actually satirizes Swift's relationships as viewed by the media. The song replaced Swift's first single from 1989, Shake It Off at number one. Swift became the first female artist to replace herself at number one.
Break Free by Ariana Grande featuring Zedd-- This is the song for me where Ariana Grande proved her vocal chops. We heard her demonstrate them in her debut single The Way but we weren't sure if it was a fluke or not. Nay-sayers be silenced now because Ariana is pint sized but her vocals are grande. She became the second female to have three songs in the top ten: Break Free, Bang Bang, and Problem; Adele was the last one to do it in 2012.
Chandelier by Sia-- Sia is one of those artists who is so true to herself and who she is as an artist. Chandelier tackles the issue of alcoholism and wanting to drown problems away by drinking. Sia's vocals soar and she scored four Grammy noms as a result-- Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Solo Pop Vocal Performance, and Music Video of the Year.
Dangerous by David Guetta featuring Sam Martin--
Don't by Ed Sheeran-- I love Ed Sheeran. Supposedly, this song was inspired by his relationship with Light's singer Ellie Goulding and her suspected tryst with Niall from One Direction. My question is, Ellie, how could you do that to Ed Sheeran. But then when I think about it again, I think, it did inspire one heck of a song.
Drunk in Love by Beyonce-- How could I put Partition on this list without putting Drunk in Love on it. Beyonce's flow is the best part of this song, I like how she sings but also has a hard speaking style on this song. She and Drake need to collaborate soon because they would sound blend so well.
The Heart Wants What it Wants by Selena Gomez-- Selena released this song at the end of 2014 and said that it was about everyone knowing her feelings and why she did what she did. It's about anyone who ever judged her choices or judged her heart. I think that most will say the song is about the end of her relationship with Justin Bieber (hopefully it's over for good), but the truth is we will never truly know.
Hideaway by Kiesza-- I read what the song is about and was inspired by and it makes no sense to me but I do like the song, and I think it's one of the best dance tracks I've heard in a long time.
I'm Not the Only One by Sam Smith-- I think Sam Smith was the new artist of 2014. What a breakout year this young man had. I'm Not the Only One was only a part of that........ Latch, Stay with Me, Money on My Mind, Restart.... the list goes on. In the Lonely Hour, was, in my opinion, the debut album of the year. Sam Smith deserves every accolade that comes his way.
Jealous by Nick Jonas-- Robbed of Sexiest Man of the Year by People magazine in my humble opinion. I think Jealous was everyone's guilty pleasure song for 2014. It was on their playlists even if they didn't want to admit that it was. Jonas says the song was inspired by his relationship with his girlfriend Olivia Culpo.
Love Me Harder by Ariana Grande feat. The Weeknd-- Called by critics the best track off My Everything, Love Me Harder is probably my favorite Ariana track ever. I love the pairing between Ariana and The Weeknd, their voices just work well together. It's still climbing the charts and is the fourth top ten hit off Ariana's album. For me, it wins the award for sexiest track of the year.
Don't get the video but dig the live performance on SNL.
Maps by Maroon 5-- This is a single that I am surprised didn't receive more attention in terms of awards, etc. There are a lot of ways in which it reminds me of a Sting (with the Police) type of song. Strong sound, strong, vocals, strong song, and solid album.
New Flame by Chris Brown featuring Usher & Rick Ross-- After being released from prison for violating terms of his probation, Chris Brown said he wanted to focus on his music. Despite the fact that the singer remains to be troubled in many ways, he is still a performer at the top of his game. Brown first released the song with just him and Rick Ross and released it with Usher and Rick Ross over the summer. Arguably the song became significantly stronger with Usher proving that he still has something special when it comes to an R&B jam. The latter became a number one R&B hit after all.
Partition by Beyonce-- By far the most underrated R&B song of the year; it didn't make it to number one and should have. With sexy as hell lyrics and an equally sexy music video, Partition has an initially saccharine pop sound that changes into a hip hop sound that explores Beyonce's (or Yonce in this songs) Houston roots. Penned by Beyonce, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, The Dream, and a supporting cast, the song has satisfyingly catchy lyrics that play to Beyonce's sensuality. You might have to take a cold shower after watching the video.
Pills N Potions by Nicki Minaj-- We couldn't have a best of 2014 without Nicki. Pills N Potions to me represents Nicki's serious and soulful side. There is a heart and sincerity in there that really comes out in this single. The song explores something that happens to everyone-- loving someone who has wronged you.
Play It Again by Luke Bryan-- He can crash my party any time if he keeps writing and singing hit after hit. Bryan had a banner year in 2014 and it only looks to get better. Play It Again was a number one country hit single.
Rather Be by Clean Bandit-- Rather Be is the case of the hit single by the group we've never heard of before. Clean Bandit is by a British electronic group and features the vocals of Jess Glyne. It became one of the fastest selling singles in the UK, and gained even more fame for it's music video that went viral with over 200 million views to date! The song made it all the way to number one on the dance charts and what culminated the year for the song was the nomination for Best Dance Recording at the Grammy's.
Shake It Off by Taylor Swift-- I bet if you asked Taylor Swift if she had the year of her life and career in 2014 she would tell you yes. All signs point that way after all. Swift took a major risk making an all pop music album and departing her country roots with the release of 1989, but Swift says she knew her fans would take the journey with her. Shake It Off was major proof of that. Not only was it risk that it wasn't country, but it was a risk that Shake It Off was so uptempo, something that Swifty's aren't used to. I think what resonated most though, and made the song so popular so quickly was the message of the song. The idea that we should just take all that negativity, bad stuff, bad people, and just shake it off. Once again, she manager to connect with her fans and the results: another number one hit, nominations for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Pop Solo Performance of the Year (at the Grammy's), and a sold out stadium tour for next summer.
She Knows by Neyo-- He has written countless hit songs for other artists and never forgets to deliver the goods when it comes to himself. Neyo has yet to release his new album Non Fiction, but if She Knows is a sneak preview, I'm in. The song is a bit of a departure for Neyo, it's a little less clean cut then usual, it gets a little dirty, while still showcasing Neyo's precise vocals. At number eight on the R&B charts and still climbing, it seems as though Neyo's success lives up to his album title.
Sing by Ed Sheeran-- You all know from earlier in this playlist that I love Ed Sheeran, and initially when I thought of him, I thought of that alternative sound like Lego House. Sing changed my mind about all of that. It took Ed Sheeran out of that box, he proved that he has versatility, and, dare I say it, credibility in terms of possessing a soulful voice! Sheeran wrote the song with Pharrell Williams and says that Justin Timberlake's vocal stylings inspired him. I'd say he came pretty close, and even more convincing is Ed's falsetto.
A Sky Full of Stars by Coldplay-- Not much is written about the song, but it sure is good isn't it? I may have tired from hearing about Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow's uncoupling but I will never tire of this song. Listen to it, and when Chris Martin stops singing and all your hear is music that's when you start jumping up and down. Try it, I bet it will make you feel good.
Somethin' Bad by Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood-- What happens when two of the most prevalent females in country music record a song together? The answer: Somethin' Bad! And I mean that in the best way possible. Carrie Underwood admits that it's been a while since two country females got together and did a song that, "in your face". Apparently Somethin' Bad was good cause Miranda and Carrie earned a Grammy nod for Best Country Group/ Duo Performance.
Take Me to Church by Hosier-- Take Me to Church is the impressive debut single from the Irish artist Hosier. It was quite the year for Hosier who was covered by The Voice, sang in the Victoria's Secret fashion show, and was nominated for Song of the Year at the Grammy's for a song that he wrote himself. Hosier says that the song ultimately is about comparing his lover to religion. With this as his debut, I cannot wait to see what Hosier does next.
Team by Lorde-- Wise beyond her years, mature beyond her years, Lorde is a lyrical master. This song is proof of her greatness. I doubted her at first, but I can honestly say, this playlist would not have been right without her on it.
Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran-- He's the only artist to appear on my playlist for 2014 three times. Well deserved Mr. Sheeran, I bet that every woman on the face of this Earth wishes she were your dance partner in this video.
Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson-- It had been a while since Bruno Mars released something new, and then all of a sudden I started hearing about this new project he was working on with Mark Ronson, and I only had to hear the song once to know it was the real deal. I was hooked from the first lyric. Bruno Mars is a throwback, he sounds like he should be from another time, but we are blessed enough to have him here right now. Uptown Funk is so stylized and so right that only Bruno could pull it off in true Bruno Mars style. Don't believe me....... just watch!
I believe that this song is going to go all the way to number one.
The release of a new Ed Sheeran album brought many hits for the young artist who continued to dominate the charts. Adam Levine's success on The Voice may have inspired possibly his best album yet with Maroon 5.
Newbies also dominated, a young man by the name of Sam Smith made many believers with his soulful voice and vulnerable lyrics. Iggy Azalea, though not fancy in her delivery, proved that she was a black widow on the charts, though, she hasn't made my list. Hosier took us to church with his powerful vocals, and Meghan Trainor wrote and sang a clever song about what else? Booty.
I can't wait any longer-- here's the playlist---
0 to 100 by Drake-- In a year where Drake didn't release an album, it doesn't surprise me that he wrote this song in an effort to tell his competition that he will always dominate rap/ R&B music. The song has been nominated at the Grammy's for Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance.
Ain't it Fun by Paramore-- One of my absolute faves of the year. A group lead by Hayley Williams with mainly a rock style, Ain't it Fun showed musical diversity adding some soul and gospel, actually going back to Williams' childhood. The song written by Williams and guitarist Taylor York is nominated for best rock song at the Grammy Awards and climbed all the way to number one on the US Top 40. I love the strong lyrics. I love the fun video for this song too..... ingenious....
All About That Bass by Meghan Trainor-- She had a breakout year all because she wrote a clever song about what else......... booty. Hailing from Nantucket, MA, Meghan attended Berkley College of Music and got a deal with a record company writing songs for the likes of Rascal Flatts. She wrote All About That Bass and wanted to give the song to an artist but when it didn't work out she recorded the song herself, L.A. Reid heard it and signed her to Epic records, and the rest, they say, is history. She song made it to number one on the Top 40 Charts and is nominated for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Girl Power!
Animals by Maroon 5-- Adam Levine said that V, the group's fifth album is their best, and he is quite possibly right. Animals showcases Levine's disinct vocals, his range, and that killer falsetto. The video, although creepy, features Levine and real life wife Behati Prinsloo. This was the tenth top ten for Maroon 5 and a number one on the Top 40 Charts.
Automatic by Miranda Lambert-- In Automatic, Miranda Lambert writes about the good times, being young and carefree, and the song encourages people to live life more simply, Although not a number one, Lambert is nominated for Best Country Song and Country Solo Performance at the Grammy Awards.
Bang Bang by Jessie J, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj-- What happens when you take three powerhouse artists, one who is a prolific rapper and two powerhouse vocalists? You get the song Bang Bang, this banging collaboration full of punch and fire. The song appears on Ariana's album My Everything and Jessie J's album Sweet Talker. They have a great chance of picking up the Grammy for Best Pop Duo Group Performance, and if they don't win, their competition better move out of the way.
Birthday by Katy Perry-- I'm not sure, but I believe the reason why I like this song so much is because of the disco beat. Perry is probably at her strongest in terms of songwriting with this song, and she has help from Bonnie McKee. Full of double entendres, Perry makes some sexy references while at the same time celebrating her significant other's birthday. The song made it to number three on the Hot Dance Charts and it's easy to see why because this is a definitely a song that anyone can dance to.
Blank Space by Taylor Swift-- Another one of my favorite songs of the year because it showed the dark and crazy side of Taylor Swift. Just kidding, it actually satirizes Swift's relationships as viewed by the media. The song replaced Swift's first single from 1989, Shake It Off at number one. Swift became the first female artist to replace herself at number one.
Break Free by Ariana Grande featuring Zedd-- This is the song for me where Ariana Grande proved her vocal chops. We heard her demonstrate them in her debut single The Way but we weren't sure if it was a fluke or not. Nay-sayers be silenced now because Ariana is pint sized but her vocals are grande. She became the second female to have three songs in the top ten: Break Free, Bang Bang, and Problem; Adele was the last one to do it in 2012.
Chandelier by Sia-- Sia is one of those artists who is so true to herself and who she is as an artist. Chandelier tackles the issue of alcoholism and wanting to drown problems away by drinking. Sia's vocals soar and she scored four Grammy noms as a result-- Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Solo Pop Vocal Performance, and Music Video of the Year.
Dangerous by David Guetta featuring Sam Martin--
Don't by Ed Sheeran-- I love Ed Sheeran. Supposedly, this song was inspired by his relationship with Light's singer Ellie Goulding and her suspected tryst with Niall from One Direction. My question is, Ellie, how could you do that to Ed Sheeran. But then when I think about it again, I think, it did inspire one heck of a song.
Drunk in Love by Beyonce-- How could I put Partition on this list without putting Drunk in Love on it. Beyonce's flow is the best part of this song, I like how she sings but also has a hard speaking style on this song. She and Drake need to collaborate soon because they would sound blend so well.
The Heart Wants What it Wants by Selena Gomez-- Selena released this song at the end of 2014 and said that it was about everyone knowing her feelings and why she did what she did. It's about anyone who ever judged her choices or judged her heart. I think that most will say the song is about the end of her relationship with Justin Bieber (hopefully it's over for good), but the truth is we will never truly know.
Hideaway by Kiesza-- I read what the song is about and was inspired by and it makes no sense to me but I do like the song, and I think it's one of the best dance tracks I've heard in a long time.
I'm Not the Only One by Sam Smith-- I think Sam Smith was the new artist of 2014. What a breakout year this young man had. I'm Not the Only One was only a part of that........ Latch, Stay with Me, Money on My Mind, Restart.... the list goes on. In the Lonely Hour, was, in my opinion, the debut album of the year. Sam Smith deserves every accolade that comes his way.
Jealous by Nick Jonas-- Robbed of Sexiest Man of the Year by People magazine in my humble opinion. I think Jealous was everyone's guilty pleasure song for 2014. It was on their playlists even if they didn't want to admit that it was. Jonas says the song was inspired by his relationship with his girlfriend Olivia Culpo.
Love Me Harder by Ariana Grande feat. The Weeknd-- Called by critics the best track off My Everything, Love Me Harder is probably my favorite Ariana track ever. I love the pairing between Ariana and The Weeknd, their voices just work well together. It's still climbing the charts and is the fourth top ten hit off Ariana's album. For me, it wins the award for sexiest track of the year.
Don't get the video but dig the live performance on SNL.
Maps by Maroon 5-- This is a single that I am surprised didn't receive more attention in terms of awards, etc. There are a lot of ways in which it reminds me of a Sting (with the Police) type of song. Strong sound, strong, vocals, strong song, and solid album.
New Flame by Chris Brown featuring Usher & Rick Ross-- After being released from prison for violating terms of his probation, Chris Brown said he wanted to focus on his music. Despite the fact that the singer remains to be troubled in many ways, he is still a performer at the top of his game. Brown first released the song with just him and Rick Ross and released it with Usher and Rick Ross over the summer. Arguably the song became significantly stronger with Usher proving that he still has something special when it comes to an R&B jam. The latter became a number one R&B hit after all.
Partition by Beyonce-- By far the most underrated R&B song of the year; it didn't make it to number one and should have. With sexy as hell lyrics and an equally sexy music video, Partition has an initially saccharine pop sound that changes into a hip hop sound that explores Beyonce's (or Yonce in this songs) Houston roots. Penned by Beyonce, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, The Dream, and a supporting cast, the song has satisfyingly catchy lyrics that play to Beyonce's sensuality. You might have to take a cold shower after watching the video.
Pills N Potions by Nicki Minaj-- We couldn't have a best of 2014 without Nicki. Pills N Potions to me represents Nicki's serious and soulful side. There is a heart and sincerity in there that really comes out in this single. The song explores something that happens to everyone-- loving someone who has wronged you.
Play It Again by Luke Bryan-- He can crash my party any time if he keeps writing and singing hit after hit. Bryan had a banner year in 2014 and it only looks to get better. Play It Again was a number one country hit single.
Rather Be by Clean Bandit-- Rather Be is the case of the hit single by the group we've never heard of before. Clean Bandit is by a British electronic group and features the vocals of Jess Glyne. It became one of the fastest selling singles in the UK, and gained even more fame for it's music video that went viral with over 200 million views to date! The song made it all the way to number one on the dance charts and what culminated the year for the song was the nomination for Best Dance Recording at the Grammy's.
Shake It Off by Taylor Swift-- I bet if you asked Taylor Swift if she had the year of her life and career in 2014 she would tell you yes. All signs point that way after all. Swift took a major risk making an all pop music album and departing her country roots with the release of 1989, but Swift says she knew her fans would take the journey with her. Shake It Off was major proof of that. Not only was it risk that it wasn't country, but it was a risk that Shake It Off was so uptempo, something that Swifty's aren't used to. I think what resonated most though, and made the song so popular so quickly was the message of the song. The idea that we should just take all that negativity, bad stuff, bad people, and just shake it off. Once again, she manager to connect with her fans and the results: another number one hit, nominations for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Pop Solo Performance of the Year (at the Grammy's), and a sold out stadium tour for next summer.
She Knows by Neyo-- He has written countless hit songs for other artists and never forgets to deliver the goods when it comes to himself. Neyo has yet to release his new album Non Fiction, but if She Knows is a sneak preview, I'm in. The song is a bit of a departure for Neyo, it's a little less clean cut then usual, it gets a little dirty, while still showcasing Neyo's precise vocals. At number eight on the R&B charts and still climbing, it seems as though Neyo's success lives up to his album title.
Sing by Ed Sheeran-- You all know from earlier in this playlist that I love Ed Sheeran, and initially when I thought of him, I thought of that alternative sound like Lego House. Sing changed my mind about all of that. It took Ed Sheeran out of that box, he proved that he has versatility, and, dare I say it, credibility in terms of possessing a soulful voice! Sheeran wrote the song with Pharrell Williams and says that Justin Timberlake's vocal stylings inspired him. I'd say he came pretty close, and even more convincing is Ed's falsetto.
A Sky Full of Stars by Coldplay-- Not much is written about the song, but it sure is good isn't it? I may have tired from hearing about Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow's uncoupling but I will never tire of this song. Listen to it, and when Chris Martin stops singing and all your hear is music that's when you start jumping up and down. Try it, I bet it will make you feel good.
Somethin' Bad by Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood-- What happens when two of the most prevalent females in country music record a song together? The answer: Somethin' Bad! And I mean that in the best way possible. Carrie Underwood admits that it's been a while since two country females got together and did a song that, "in your face". Apparently Somethin' Bad was good cause Miranda and Carrie earned a Grammy nod for Best Country Group/ Duo Performance.
Take Me to Church by Hosier-- Take Me to Church is the impressive debut single from the Irish artist Hosier. It was quite the year for Hosier who was covered by The Voice, sang in the Victoria's Secret fashion show, and was nominated for Song of the Year at the Grammy's for a song that he wrote himself. Hosier says that the song ultimately is about comparing his lover to religion. With this as his debut, I cannot wait to see what Hosier does next.
Team by Lorde-- Wise beyond her years, mature beyond her years, Lorde is a lyrical master. This song is proof of her greatness. I doubted her at first, but I can honestly say, this playlist would not have been right without her on it.
Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran-- He's the only artist to appear on my playlist for 2014 three times. Well deserved Mr. Sheeran, I bet that every woman on the face of this Earth wishes she were your dance partner in this video.
Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson-- It had been a while since Bruno Mars released something new, and then all of a sudden I started hearing about this new project he was working on with Mark Ronson, and I only had to hear the song once to know it was the real deal. I was hooked from the first lyric. Bruno Mars is a throwback, he sounds like he should be from another time, but we are blessed enough to have him here right now. Uptown Funk is so stylized and so right that only Bruno could pull it off in true Bruno Mars style. Don't believe me....... just watch!
I believe that this song is going to go all the way to number one.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)